There's nothing wrong with a dill pickle. They are extremely popular and taste great. However, sometimes you want to try something different. It might be that the meal you're serving doesn't go well with classic dill pickles, or you might simply be in the mood for something different. Here are some unique pickles to try out.
Gherkin
While most pickles are made using cucumbers, these pickles are made using bur gherkins. Gherkins are related to cucumbers, but are much smaller. They were originally from Africa but are now grown all over the world.
Gherkins can be brined in either a sour or sweet mixture. They are very popular in South American cuisine. While they are often used as condiments, you will also find them in stews.
Bread and Butter Pickles
If you like your pickles sweet, then you will love bread and butter pickles. A unique aspect of bread and butter pickles is that they are sliced before they are put into the brine. The brine will include a lot of sugar.
A great thing about bread and butter pickles is that you can have a tiny bit without having to slice up a large pickle.
Cornichon
These are a French pickles made with gherkins. The gherkins are harvested before they reach full maturity. The pickles have an extra crisp texture and a sour flavor. They are very popular with cheese and pate. If you're throwing a wine tasting party, then these would be excellent pickles to pair with the cheese.
Lime Pickles
These pickles are made using pickling lime. The cucumbers are soaked in lime water for 24 hours. After that time period has passed, the cucumbers are rinsed several times to remove excess lime. Then a brine is poured over the cucumbers and they are left to pickle.
The addition of lime to the pickling process is done to add calcium to the pickles. This makes the pickles extra-firm. So if you like really firm pickles, try and find some lime pickles.
Kosher Pickles
Kosher pickles are quite distinct from other pickles in that they traditionally don't contain vinegar. They are made using a process of fermentation. The main ingredients in the brine will include water, salt, peppercorns, garlic, and coriander. The process of fermentation will take a bit longer than a vinegar based pickles, but they end up having a very distinct flavor.
If you have ever been to a NYC style deli, then you will be familiar with the varying degrees of kosher pickles brands. The two main styles are half-sour and sour. The longer the pickles are let to ferment, the more sour the pickles will be.
If you don't care for vinegar flavor, and are going to be serving deli, then you should definitely check out kosher pickles.
